.357 Magnum vs .45 ACP

[Plastic Cowboy]

How does recoil compare between these two calibers with respect to getting off a second shot?? I have a .45ACP XD Springfield that is relatively easy to shoot fast should the need arise. Less experience with a .357 but I suspect it is more difficult to fire off a multi-round burst from any revolver, much less one that is kicking like a mule in your hand.

How easy is it to dump all 6 chambers in a DA .357 rapidly and accurately??

 

[makarovnik]

Either one. They're both excellent choices.

 

[Moonclips]

I suspect it is more difficult to fire off a multi-round burst from any revolver, much less one that is kicking like a mule in your hand.

How easy is it to dump all 6 chambers in a DA .357 rapidly and accurately??

I've seen a video clip of a guy (was it Jerry Miculek?) firing off 12 rounds in under 3 seconds (or was it 2 seconds). Of course, he used a moonclip for the reload. That's too fast for mere mortals like us.

Don't worry about the next shot. Just concentrate on each shot and go as fast as you can control. It's gonna take some practice, too. But if you're more confident with an autoloader, that's fine. I can shoot my autoloaders faster and more accurately compared to a DA revolver also, but I just like revolvers, too, that's all. They can be effective tools, if employed properly.

 

[MCgunner]

Yep, autos, especially high cap autos, invite the spray and pray mentality. Spray and pray can cause collateral damage, too, not desirable if you wanna stay out of prison. Make your shots count, practice at it. Don't shoot anymore than is necessary to stop the attack.

 

[Oregongundude]

The automatics have the advantage in Multiple bad guy situations

I have been reading several articles in the papers about how the police involved shootings have increased since they switched over to the Glock 9 mm especially in Washington DC the nation's capital. Because the Police are using the spray and pray method now that they have so many rounds available to them with there automatic 9 mm Glocks. Police killings have increased two fold since they switched over to the 9 mm from the 38 special. Interesting, the police are killing more people in shootouts with a 9 mm then a .38 special. That's some food for thought. Of course there averaging 3 to 4 more rounds now in each shoot out. I guess the 9 mm can kill after all. I guess my point is that the .45 automatic with 14 rounds and a couple extra magazines would be better in a multiple BG stand off. I think the .357 is very effective up to 6-8 rounds and then your using the old speed loader. I don't see a big difference if your an expert with the speed loader.

 

[AJD]

Most self defense encounters are within 7 yards. If you practice, you shouldn't have much trouble putting 6 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition into 6 different man sized targets in a reasonable amount of time. Or all six into one target, or three shots into two different targets, etc. etc.

And companies like S&W offer 7 and even 8 shot .357 magnum revolvers.

And if you shooting something like this...

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=48

Then one shot will probably be enough.

EDIT:

Also, I think way to many people are driven by the fear that they will need a 15+ rounds in case of the event that are attacked by some huge gang of thugs or something. So they settle for a something less powerful because it holds alot more rounds. They should be more afraid of shooting someone who is armed and having that shot not be enough to end the conflict because if he is still capable of shooting back then you might not have another shot.

 

[MCgunner]

I still don't know how I'll react if that time ever comes that I need to shoot. Will I keep my cool and place my shots? Will I be able to work through the adenalin dump? I don't know, that's why I like to carry a relatively high cap auto. .45 is no more effective, practically speaking, than a 9, so I don't worry about the "what if he don't go down" senario. He might not go down with 5 .45s in him, either. Chances are, though, center mass with the 9, or one center mass and one to the head, will do the trick. You simply cannot count on a "one shot stop" with any handgun caliber. It can happen, great if it does, just be prepared to shoot until the threat stops.

An 8 shot .357 is awfully bulky to carry all day concealed. I carry a 5 shot .38 now and then, but if I had an 8 shot .357, I'd never carry it. My .45 is flatter and lighter and reloads are flatter if I'm going IWB.

 

[Oregongundude]

Don't ever count on one shot ever.

I wouldn't be sure of myself in a fire fight that I would be able to drop the BG in one shot. I practice all the time with targets, but people move fast and if they are firing at you and there are more than one of them. You might have to fire several rounds before the shooting finally stops. Hopefully, I will still be standing after it's over, if I'm good enough to win the gun battle. Myself, and others may agree or disagree with me. I believe the automatics will provide me the best chance to win a multiple bad guy shoot outs. In the middle of action with all the excitement you may hit one in the arm, or leg, shoulder, or miss several times. The worse thing would be to run out of rounds in the middle of the encounter. Now you may think this is far fetched, but drugs, gang members packing automatics with large rounds capacity may be firing at you with 9 mm's and you dont' want to be caught short of rounds when your life is on the line. I would choice a 9mm Glock with 17+1, XD .45 acp 13+1, and a 40 S&W with 13 round with three additional magazines anyday, over a 6-8 round .357 magnum in this type of encounter.

Why do you think most major Police forces swtiched to automatics, because they were getting there butt's handed to them on the streets in guns fights with thugs packing automatics, and they were getting rushed by the BG's packings automatics why they were trying to reload there revolvers with the old speed loaders. It makes sense doesn't it

I like to be prepared for any possibility, and the automatics provide the capacity and firepower needed under extreme stress when your aim my be a little questionable at times.

 

[jlh26oo]

Not in Houston since Katrina and the Katrician migration. Seems New Orleans sent all their crack heads over here. There was a Katrician who claimed on the radio that if they didn't get extensions to their FEMA money, crime would dramatically increase. Handguns and handgun classes have been selling like hot cakes at IHOP.

+1

 

[defiant73a]

Why do you think most major Police forces swtiched to automatics, because they were getting there butt's handed to them on the streets in guns fights with thugs packing automatics, and they were getting rushed by the BG's packings automatics why they were trying to reload there revolvers with the old speed loaders.

Somebody needs a history lesson.

 

[sicario103]

Originally Posted by Moonclips

I've seen a video clip of a guy (was it Jerry Miculek?) firing off 12 rounds in under 3 seconds (or was it 2 seconds). Of course, he used a moonclip for the reload.

12 shots with a revolver under 3 seconds is unrealistic. Even if it was possible, not too many people would be able accurately or even do it at all. Place that Jerry Miculek guy under a stressful situation where his life is in actual danger and you'll see a realistic shoot/reload times. Anyways, what happens when one of the spent rounds is stuck or the moonclip is abit bent.... well there goes your quick reload...Can't get it out? well you'll have to reload it one at a time. A jam on a auto can be dealt with a bit quicker than a wheel gun.

Originallt Posted by AJD

Most self defense encounters are within 7 yards. If you practice, you shouldn't have much trouble putting 6 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition into 6 different man sized targets in a reasonable amount of time. Or all six into one target, or three shots into two different targets, etc. etc.

And companies like S&W offer 7 and even 8 shot .357 magnum revolvers.

Yes, most shootouts are within 10 meters or less. Yes, if you practice, you shouldn't have much trouble putting 6 rounds of .357 in to six different targets... Key word here: PRACTICE. Try doing it when those man sized targets are shooting back. High capacity revolver are way to big.... lot of people complain about having to carry spare clips so you can imagine that big wheel gun.

Then one shot will probably be enough.

"Probably" is not insurance enough. Is BG's continue assault after multiple shots unheard of? No, it does happen. Never assume 1 shot is enough. Even if it true, add stress, nerves, adrenaline or whatever into the equation and it will dictate a completely different story on you shot placements

Originally posted by MCgunner

Yep, autos, especially high cap autos, invite the spray and pray mentality. Spray and pray can cause collateral damage, too, not desirable if you wanna stay out of prison. Make your shots count, practice at it. Don't shoot anymore than is necessary to stop the attack.

That's dead wrong. Spray and pray is not solely restricted to autos. You can still spray and pray be it an auto, a revolver, a pump, a lever action etc. Just because someone carries a high capacity auto does not mean he will be doing it or be tempted to spray and pray. And there's a difference between controlled multiple consecutive shots and just spray and pray. Plus just because you got double the capacity does not mean you have to shoot it all.

Originally POsted by Inline_6

That said, I'd rather carry my 45ACP revolver than the 15+1 .40 Glock I am forced to carry.

Moonclips increase chance of malfunction.


Originally Posted by Strambo

In the US violent crime has been declining, kidnapping like you describe is rare. If your threat assessment for Venezuela is correct, then your choice of high capacity auto is sound for while you are there. I'm assuming your round count in Canada is...zero correct? Do you have a Canadian CCW, is there such a thing?

My CCW is only in Venezuela. In Canada, I have a number of rifles and shotguns FOR hunting and ranges purposes only. Even though crime rate in Canada has been on the increase both in numbers and types, I still don't think I'll be in any danger at least not in the imminent future. Now if you believe my assessment for my country is sound, then would it not also be a good choice for any other country regardless of crime rate? Why just carry something when you can carry alittle extra? And just because there's a decline in violent crimes in the US does not mean it will less likely happen to you or that you are any safer.